Upphandlingen

Upphandlingen refers to the process by which public authorities procure goods, services, or works from external suppliers. It covers planning, supplier selection, awarding contracts, and contract management. The purpose is to achieve value for money, transparency, competition, and equal treatment of bidders, in line with applicable laws and policies.

In Sweden, upphandlingen is governed primarily by the Public Procurement Act (LOU), which implements European Union directives. The act applies to central, regional, and municipal authorities and other entities engaged in public procurement, and also to certain utilities. The process is organized into several stages: planning and needs analysis; market analysis to identify supplier options; preparation of requirements (kravspecifikation) and tender documents; publication of a call for competition and invitation to bid; bid submission; evaluation of bids according to predefined criteria (such as price, quality, and life-cycle costs); award decision; and contract signing plus ongoing contract management.

Procurement procedures include open procedures, restricted procedures, negotiated procedures, and, where appropriate, competitive dialogue or innovations partnerships. Public procurement emphasizes transparency, non-discrimination, and proportionality. Digital tools, including e-procurement platforms, are commonly used to publish notices, receive bids, and manage documentation.

Upphandlingen must balance value for money with fair competition and accountability, and provides remedies, such as complaint mechanisms, for dissatisfied bidders. Ongoing developments focus on simplification, digitalization, sustainability criteria, and cross-border procurement within the EU single market.